STEM Teaching Resources

What is STEM Education?

STEM education integrates concepts that are usually taught as separate subjects in different classes and emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-life situations. A lesson or unit in a STEM class is typically based around finding a solution to a real-world problem and tends to emphasize project-based learning.

STEM education emphasizes '21st-century skills' of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

This can either be done in the context of a present-day problem or in a historical problem-most historical 'living history' museums in Massachusetts, such as Plimoth Plantation, Saugus Ironworks(below), Lowell Historical Park, Slater's Mill, or Old Sturbridge Village focus on technology.

STEM practices involve:

• Asking Questions(science) and defining problems(engineering)

• Developing and using models

• Planning and carrying out investigations

• Analyzing and interpreting data

• Using mathematics and computational thinking

• Constructing explanations(science) and designing solutions(engineering)

• Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information